After a year of turbulence, the LIV Golf Season is set to commence with its second season. While it has many golfers under its roster, not many were obliged to join the rebel league at its inception. It all started when one of golf’s most-celebrated players, Phil Mickelson, made the astonishing switch to the Saudi-backed series. He remains one of the most prominent faces of the league but has faced unrestricted criticism over his tumultuous decision. But how does ‘Lefty’ himself view the period of chaos?
Phil Mickelson has wise words to summarize the impact of LIV Golf
The 52-year-old is presently in the Middle East to participate in his first event of the season, the Saudi International. A year ago, an interview on the sidelines of the tournament was the talk of the town, where Mickelson called out the PGA Tour (for which he later apologized).
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Back after a year of chaos, Mickelson sat again for an interview. More reserved this time, the 6-time major championship winner spoke about his second lease of life and his vision to win more major championships.
But on the clutter surrounding the LIV Golf Series, how would Mickelson describe the impact of the rebel league in the future? Thoughtful with his answer, his words were subtly impactful.
“It’s a short-term disruption for a long-term gain,” he said. “That’s all.”
Is LIV Golf really making an impact on golf?
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Time and again, Mickelson and the LIV Golf Series have portrayed the rebel league as a fresh change to the traditional and age-old sport. The deviation from the existing format has certainly caught the eye.
Among a plethora of changes, a team-format series, coupled with reduced holes and a shot-gun start, has made for an interesting watch. LIV has also introduced DJ concerts with speakers blaring on the sidelines of the tournament in its efforts to steer clear of the boring opinion of the sport.
But every step has been met with controversy. The league has never really found its backing, especially in traditionally playing hubs. Fans on social media have clamored against the league due to its origins and connections with the Middle East, which formed a major crux of why the PGA Tour is at loggerheads with the LIV Golf Series in court battles.
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Will Mickelson’s “long-term gain” be a prospect in current circumstances? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.